For A Season

Once Autumn arrives and green leaves begin to change into beautiful oranges, yellows, reds, and browns, the magic of God’s artistry becomes even more apparent.  For most of the country, warmer climates yield to breezy cooler days.  I have great memories of fall on the quad at my alma matter and the feeling of a brand new start each year.  Fall can be a great beginning to a new school year, a motivational start to a company’s new fiscal calendar, and of course the gateway to a splendid holiday season.  The season that produces shorter days and longer nights, however, can also be a catalyst for increased depression. 

The American Medical Association denotes a study between the correlation of sunlight and Vitamin D to a person’s energy and mood level.  In addition, literature produced by the Mayo Clinic shows exposure to the sun as a general mood enhancer.  While Thanksgiving and Christmas tend to bring out the best in people, including their joy and love for others, it can also compound emotional problems for those who may be suffering from grief or loss.  Minister Wayne Dunaway says December is the best time of the year to reach people and “prick their hearts” concerning the life of Jesus. “  “Christmas is certainly more commercialized than when I was growing up,” explains the Church of  Christ Minister, “however, as Christians, we should take every opportunity to save souls and Christmas time is when most of the world celebrates Jesus birth and are most open to His gift of salvation.”  It seems almost like a catch 22 during the holiday season.  Joy exudes from most people, while for those who may have struggles find it harder to cope with the dark cloud of depression.

Depression is a cruel and unforgiving illness.  The symptoms generated by this unpredictable disease can be triggered by the slightest of circumstance.  One of the down sides of the fall of the year is less sunlight.  People can become “seasonally depressed” because their days are shorter and they face each day knowing they are in “for a long night.”  A person who may suffer from a broken relationship or a death in the family could find it very difficult to face the extended hours of darkness. 

Suicide rates continue to increase more and more each year according to statistics produced by measureofamerica.org.  Many factors are attributed to America’s increased number of youth suicides in the last decade.  The top causes are bullying, sexual orientation, drugs, and low self-esteem, also published by the American Medical Association. 

As an individual who travels and advocates for those who suffer from all forms of depression, I have met many people who are diagnosed with Seasonal Depression.  This form of depression does come and go with a particular season of the year.  A possible trauma occurring in a person’s life can cause the onset, or some sort of chemical deficiency may be a factor.  For most who suffer from Seasonal Depression, the symptoms will subside after a couple of months.  Overwhelmingly in my conversations with others, the late fall and early winter months are the predominant times of year for Seasonal Depression. 

Depression in any form can be just as difficult for a loved one as it is for the patient.  People who are not clinically depressed may not have a good understanding of what someone is going through and may be at a loss as to how to help them.  The best advice as an advocate and public speaker I can give, is compassion and patience.  It is okay not to understand every issue another person has.  You must understand it is a very real problem and medical attention is needed.  Medication is not always necessary, sometimes counseling from a licensed professional or a spiritual guide can initiate improvement.  Just as I recommend with any person who suffers from depression, trial and error is essential.  What works for others may not work for you.  We all have a different chemical make-up and we all have different circumstances.

As the holidays approach, love and appreciation for the amazing life given to us by the Father is the most important healing attitude anyone can have.  Seek love and compassion from friends, family, coworkers and spiritual leaders who are willing to be supportive.  We all deserve to live a prosperous and joy-filled life.  In fact, that is exactly what Jesus died for, and He is the reason for the season.

Love to you all.